Drew Pierce - Pickleball Rookie

Beginner Pickleball Drills: Essential Exercises to Elevate Your Game

November 20, 2025July 2, 2025 by Drew Pierce

Two pickleball players demonstrating a dinking drill in the non-volley zone

To elevate your game, beginners should focus on four core drills: Dinking (for soft control), Volleys (for quick net reactions), Groundstrokes (for baseline consistency), and Serve/Return placement. Practice these weekly to build muscle memory, improve footwork, and develop the consistency needed to win matches.

Pickleball has taken the world by storm, and if you’re new to the court, you’re likely eager to improve your skills. While playing games is undoubtedly the most fun way to learn, incorporating targeted drills into your routine can dramatically accelerate your progress. This article will guide you through essential pickleball drills designed specifically for beginners, helping you build a solid foundation and confidence on the court. If you’re just starting your pickleball journey and need a refresher on the basics, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide: What Is Pickleball?

Returning to Pickleball After a Break? Here’s What to Know!

November 20, 2025June 26, 2025 by Drew Pierce

If you are returning to pickleball after a break, expect a faster, more aggressive game. The “third shot drive” has largely replaced the slow drop game, and carbon fiber “power paddles” are the new standard. To catch up quickly, focus on deep returns, master the split-step, and consider upgrading your vintage gear.

So you’re thinking about picking up the paddle again after a year or two away? Welcome back to the court! If you’ve been on the sidelines, you might be wondering what’s new. Trust me, the game has changed. The good news is, getting back into the swing of things is easier than you think, especially when you know what to expect.

2025 Pickleball Rule Changes and Gear Trends You Need to Know About

November 20, 2025February 2, 2025 by Drew Pierce

The biggest 2025 pickleball rule changes include banning sideline coaching, allowing partners to call faults on each other, and permitting a “drop serve” off the paddle face. Top gear trends for the year are “quiet” paddles for noise-restricted courts, AI-enabled paddles for training feedback, and specialized shoes for injury prevention.

As the sport pickleball continues to evolve, so does the amount of gear available to players. Because the only thing better than playing the sport is living the sport!

Here are a few items on Pickeball Rookie’s radar this year:

These new AI paddles from Selkirk and JOOLA are pretty mind-blowing. As someone who’s always working on my third shot drop, having real-time feedback on spin and contact point is a game-changer. Though I have to admit, sometimes I turn off the app and just focus on feel – old habits die hard!

Rediscovering Tennis After Years Of Pickleball

November 20, 2025September 12, 2024 by Drew Pierce

For four decades, tennis was my jam. I’d pick up a racquet a handful of times each year, and enjoy the muscle memory established as a kid.

It wasn’t a serious commitment, but it was a constant in my life—until it wasn’t.

Two years ago, I discovered pickleball.

Like many others, I was seduced by the game’s rapid-fire game-play, social atmosphere, total inclusion, and ease on my body when compared to tennis.

Before I knew it, tennis faded into the background, and pickleball became The Choice.

For over two years, I didn’t touch a tennis racquet. Not once.

I reveled in the quick reflexes and strategic positioning that pickleball demanded. And I figured I was still maintaining my “racquet sports skills,” albeit on a smaller scale.

Boy, was I wrong.

Playing Pickleball Indoors vs. Outdoors: Which Is Better?

May 21, 2024 by Drew Pierce

As an avid pickleball player, I’ve had the opportunity to experience the game on both indoor and outdoor courts. Each setting offers its own set of advantages and challenges, and choosing between the two can significantly impact the overall playing experience.

Being someone who lives to be outside and finds any excuse to catch some rays, I’ve surprised myself by preferring to play pickleball indoors.

This post aims to help me get to the bottom of this query as well as educate you on the nuanced differences.

How to Handle a Pickleball Ball Hog

November 20, 2025March 22, 2024 by Drew Pierce

When you’re trying to enjoy a fun game of pickleball, there’s nothing more frustrating than a ball hog teammate who insists on taking every shot, even ones clearly meant for you. Instead of fun rallies, points are over quickly with the ball hog going for shots they had no business going for. We’ve all been there. Personally, there have been times where I will mutter to myself the whole way home that I should have taken control of the situation. So, how can you handle this tricky on-court scenario? We have a few ideas!

Is Pickleball Good for Weight Loss?

November 20, 2025March 20, 2024 by Drew Pierce

Pickleball has rapidly grown in popularity over the past few years, and for good reason. Not only is it an incredibly fun and social sport, but it also offers many benefits for those looking to improve their fitness and lose weight. As someone who has been playing pickleball for the past two years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative effects it can have on people’s bodies and overall health.

Pickleball Loss? 20 Ways to Blame Your Paddle!

November 20, 2025March 16, 2024 by Drew Pierce

What’s that saying about excuses? Excuses change nothing, but make everyone feel better.

Are you a pickleball player who’s always got an excuse ready when things don’t go your way on the court?

Do you find yourself constantly pointing fingers at your paddle, the weather, the court surface, or even the phase of the moon?

In the world of pickleball, where egos are as fragile as perforated plastic, having an arsenal of creative justifications for your failures is essential. After all, admitting that your opponent simply outplayed you is far too painful for most of us mere mortals. 🙂

How to Move From a 3.5 to 4.0 Pickleball Rating

November 20, 2025March 11, 2024 by Drew Pierce

It’s a common refrain throughout pickleball, advancing from a 3. 5 to a 4.0 pickleball rating.

While many folks, including yours truly, can consistently win games at local open play sessions against other 3.5 players, we struggle to take that next step up. But there are a few paths you can follow to get your game over the hump. Here’s a look at some of the keys that helped propel my progression.